Why it matters: The accreditation, awarded by The Smallest Things charity, recognises schools that understand the specific educational and emotional needs of children born prematurely. In an average classroom, two or three children may have been born early – and while not all will need additional support, premature birth is said to pose distinct risks to learning, including difficulties with processing speeds, memory, visual-spatial skills and maths.
The details: To achieve the accreditation, all 16 ASSET Education schools have implemented specific training and protocols. Crucially, staff now ask parents and carers about their child's birth history before they begin school – a straightforward but significant step that ensures the right support can be put in place from the start.
What they're saying: Hayley Cullimore, director of inclusion for ASSET Education, said: "As a trust with inclusion at the heart of all we do and our mission to 'Nurture Humanity', we are so proud of this accolade. It will ensure we can support our pupils and families through their journeys into school."
Catriona Ogilvy, founder of The Smallest Things, welcomed the trust's achievement: "Starting school can be a big step for neonatal families. This award demonstrates the trust's commitment to meeting the needs that children born prematurely may often have, and will give parents confidence and reassurance throughout their child's learning journey."
For families who have lived through the trauma of a neonatal unit, the accreditation carries real emotional weight. Bethany, a parent of a premature baby, teacher at ASSET school St Helen's Primary and ambassador for The Smallest Things, said: "From a parent's perspective, being a Prem Aware school is essential — ensuring other professionals understand a child's journey so parents don't have to relive it again and again. When I apply for my son's school place, knowing the school is Prem Aware will truly matter to me."
Celebrating 'Small but Mighty': To mark the achievement, ASSET Education schools observed World Prematurity Day on 17 November, embracing the theme "Small is Mighty." Pupils explored the power of small things in the natural world, weaving the awareness day into science, geography and maths lessons. Staff and pupils wore purple in a show of solidarity, and a creative 'Hand on Heart' art project encouraged pupils to express their feelings and support through art. At St Helen's Primary, the occasion was particularly personal, with a Year 4 pupil delivering a presentation to her class about her own journey as a premature baby.
Fundraising for critical care: The day also served as a fundraising opportunity, with families invited to donate £1. The proceeds were split between The Smallest Things charity and the Ipswich Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The funds will support families during the overwhelming early days in the neonatal unit and pay for practical resources, including "Preemie Proud" stickers for red baby books, which help recognise and validate the developmental journey of children born too soon.
Cullimore added: "I was honoured to visit the NICU to present the money raised and see first-hand the incredible support the babies and families receive from the dedicated staff."
The bottom line: By achieving 'Prem Aware' status across the entire trust, ASSET Education has set a new national benchmark for inclusion and pastoral care — ensuring that for children born early, their start at school is as well-supported as possible.
